CSU celebrates graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling Cleveland State University’s mission in or outside the classroom. 

Today, we celebrate Mira Simone DiPierro. Mira will be graduating from Levin College with dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminology, along with minors in Neuroscience and Anthropology. With consistent placement on the Dean’s List and President’s List, and participation in the Mandel Honors Scholars Program, Mira has built a strong academic record grounded in curiosity, discipline, and a genuine interest in understanding people and the systems that shape their lives.

Her undergraduate years required resilience beyond the usual academic pressures. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a toddler, Mira has long balanced the full-time management of a chronic condition with school, work, and family responsibilities. During her time at CSU, she also helped support her family through significant health challenges, continuing to meet her academic and research commitments while spending many days in hospital rooms. These experiences shaped her sense of focus and her ability to stay steady during difficult moments. 

Mira’s work outside the classroom reflects her commitment to community engagement. Since 2022, she has volunteered with the Miracle League of Lake County, assisting athletes with disabilities in an environment built on inclusion and joy. Her long-term involvement with the league informed her undergraduate research project, which examined parents’ sense of community within the Miracle League. The project blends her academic interests with a setting that is personally meaningful to her. 

At CSU, Mira served as a Student Member Representative on the Levin College Strategic Planning Advisory Board, contributing student perspectives to discussions about mission, priorities, and future initiatives. She approaches leadership through participation and thoughtful input rather than titles. 

Her practical experience includes completing the FBI Collegiate Academy and interning with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, where she rotated through multiple areas of the criminal justice system. She also works at the Madison Public Library and previously at a local restaurant, roles that kept her grounded, supported her studies, and taught her the value of consistency and teamwork. 

After graduation, Mira plans to pursue a career with the FBI, aiming to bring both her academic background and her sense of responsibility toward others into federal service work. 

Mira’s time at Cleveland State reflects a combination of academic strength, steady resilience, and meaningful engagement with her community, qualities that make her a standout member of the Class of 2025.